BALPPA, the British association of leisure, parks, piers and attractions, has entered into a new collaboration with NextGen Showcase, an educational programme developed to educate and inspire the next generation of professionals in the leisure sector.
The association, which has more than 300 members, represents the interests of the UK’s commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos, visitor attractions, family entertainment, and indoor play centres. As part of this collaboration, NextGen Showcase will develop the association’s individual membership category, which was established in 2022.
Supporting the next generation of industry professionals
NextGen Showcase is a free educational programme for aspiring attraction industry professionals. This year the initiative has extended its reach, with students from 25 nations participating online over 10 months.
The partnership aims to promote the development of industry-specific talent in the UK and beyond. Over the last two years, the NextGen Showcase Educational Program has trained hundreds of professionals looking to enter the sector, and 25% of its graduates were UK-based.
Paul Kelly, BALPPA chief executive, explains: “In our fantastic industry we are always keen to attract new businesses and people to leisure. Having been in the industry myself for many years, working in great businesses and with great people I know what an amazing and long standing career you can have! That’s why in 2022 at BALPPA we made a change in the way we do things and opened up our Association to individuals as well as businesses and launched our Individual Membership category.
“The new membership category was launched to help support and develop those already working within leisure and attraction businesses who are looking to progress their career or maybe people have left an industry business but want to keep in touch and also to attract new people who are looking to pursue a career within the industry either as an Operator or Trade Supplier / Service Provider.
“We are excited to be expanding this membership category and to launch our partnership with NextGen Showcase. We’re looking forward to working with the team and their Members to inspire and educate the next generation of professionals through events and using the extensive experience of our Operating and Trade Associate Members.”
Terry Monkton, BALPPA chairman and managing director of Simworx, says: “When I began my tenure as chairman of BALPPA, I was very keen to develop the individual membership category and the introduction of a new generation of young talent into our great industry. We have seen this membership category grow since its launch and expect it to go from strength to strength.
“My own business, Simworx has been a partner sponsor of NextGen Showcase for a while now and we have already had the pleasure of working with and hosting the group at our offices to give their Members a taste of what it’s like to design and build a ride.
“I’m delighted that BALPPA and NextGen Showcase are now in partnership to expand the opportunities for the NextGen Members and BALPPA’s own Individual Members through events and access to some of the greatest operations and most experienced operators in the business!”
Emma Bashford, coordinator and co-founder of NextGen Showcase, adds: “Our program attracts some of the most motivated emerging professionals from around the world, so we have made it our mission to connect them with the industry, particularly in key regions such as the UK.
“We hope that NextGen Showcase will continue to be recognised by employers as a qualification representing an ability to work collaboratively in teams, a broad understanding of our industry, and a passion for attractions and themed entertainment.
“The support of established organisations such as BALPPA is the next step to achieving this goal; we exist to showcase the diverse talents of the next generation to potential employers.”
The two organisations will collaborate on events for their members, and BALPPA will provide complimentary one-year student memberships to all NextGen Showcase Educational Program participants.
With this partnership, BALPPA aims to expand its membership and ensure a successful future for both organisations.
